Solar panels are a fantastic investment for your home or business. They help save you money by turning solar energy into clean, renewable electricity that won’t be impacted by price hikes or power grid failures. With the right maintenance, solar panels provide you with efficient energy and cost savings for decades to come. Part of that maintenance includes regular cleaning. In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of regular solar panel cleaning, how to clean your solar panels, and some precautions you should take when cleaning your solar panels. But your best option, if your solar panels are on your roof or are generally difficult to access, is to hire professionals to perform your solar panel maintenance.

Why Clean Your Solar Panels?

Solar panels provide the most important resource for your home or business: energy. Though solar panels are largely a low-maintenance investment, cleaning your solar panels on a fairly regular basis provides several key benefits.

Preserve Efficiency and Maximize Energy Production

Regular cleaning is key to ensuring you’re getting the most out of your solar panels. If dirt, dust, leaves, or other debris accumulate on the surface of the panels, it can block sunlight and reduce the amount of energy that can be produced. Even small amounts of dirt or debris on a solar panel can create a shading effect, which can reduce the overall power output. Cleaning your solar panels ensures that they receive an unobstructed and consistent amount of sunlight, preventing shading and optimizing their performance.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Solar Panels

You can also help ensure the lifespan of your solar panels with regular cleaning. Solar panels are designed to be durable and long-lasting. However, if they are not properly maintained and cleaned, the accumulation of debris and dirt can potentially lead to damage over time. Regular inspection of your solar panels may also mean that more extensive problems, like hail damage, won’t go unnoticed. Cleaning them regularly helps prevent degradation, prolongs their lifespan, and protects your investment.

Maintain the Warranty

If your solar panels are under warranty, regular cleaning and maintenance may also be required to maintain the warranty terms. Adhering to these guidelines, including regular cleaning, is often necessary to maintain your warranty coverage. Failing to clean the panels as recommended may void the warranty.

Precautions to Take When Cleaning Solar Panels

Before jumping right in and cleaning off your solar panels, there are safety measures and best practices to consider.

• Safety first: If your solar panels are located on your roof, especially if your home or business is two stories or more, or elsewhere in a high area, we recommend hiring a professional to perform the cleaning or do any sort of routine maintenance on your solar panels.
• Check the manufacturer’s recommendations: Before cleaning, review the instructions provided by the solar panel manufacturer or installation company. They may have specific guidelines or restrictions on cleaning methods.
• Choose the right time: Clean your solar panels on a cloudy day or during the early morning or late evening when the temperature of the panels is cooler. Avoid cleaning them when they are under direct sunlight to prevent rapid drying of the cleaning solution as well as potential burns.
• Disconnect the panels: We recommend that you turn off the solar panel system before cleaning as an added safety measure. Consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re unsure about this step.

How to Clean Your Solar Panels

Ready to get started? Here’s how to clean your solar panels.

Tools Needed to Clean Solar Panels

 

You’ll need the following tools and supplies to clean your solar panels.

• Soft-bristled brush
• Leaf blower (optional)
• Cleaning solution
• Bucket of water
• Garden hose
• Sponge and/or microfiber cloths

Or the contact information of a trusted professional, so you can keep your feet safely on the ground.

Steps to Clean Solar Panels

Here are some steps you or a solar panel specialist can follow to get your solar panels nice and clean.

1. Remove loose debris: Use a soft-bristled brush or a leaf blower to gently remove any loose dirt, leaves, or debris from the surface of the solar panels. Take care not to scratch or damage the panels while doing this.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a mild detergent or soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the panels. Alternatively, you can use a commercially available solar panel cleaning solution.
3. Clean the panels: Dip a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth into the cleaning solution and wring out the excess water. Gently wipe the surface of the solar panels in a circular motion, starting from the top and working your way down. Apply more pressure to any particularly soiled areas.
4. Rinse with clean water: After cleaning, rinse the panels thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. You can either use a hose with a gentle stream or a clean sponge soaked in water.
5. Dry the panels: Allow the panels to air dry naturally or use a soft microfiber cloth to gently pat them dry. Avoid using rough or abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.
6. Monitor performance: Once the panels are clean and dry, monitor their performance over the next few days to ensure there are no issues or drops in efficiency. If you notice any problems, consult a professional for further inspection.

Trust the Experts

Cleaning your solar panels regularly helps you get the most out of your investment, improves energy efficiency, and prolongs the life of the panels. For such an important investment, you should trust the experts to perform regular maintenance and help keep your solar panels clean.

Interested in going solar? Trust Stonewater Roofing with the installation process. We are proud to provide solar solutions for residential and commercial properties in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Contact us today!

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